Barrier is provocative: Downer

The route of the 600- kilometre barrier cuts into Palestinian territory for much of its length inside the Israeli-occupied Palestinian West Bank.

But the Israeli Government says it needs it to fight terrorism.

"I can understand why Israel sees it necessary to build a security fence," Mr Downer said after meeting his Israeli counterpart, Silvan Shalom. But he did not think the route planned for it was acceptable.

Mr Downer also reaffirmed Australia's support for the stalled "road map" for peace in the Middle East, which he described as "the only game in town".

In a speech to the Israeli Australia Chamber of Commerce the previous night he put a strong emphasis on the obligation of the Palestinian Authority to halt terrorist attacks before progress could resume. He also talked of Australia's sympathy for Israel.

"We admire your determination to build a society here in circumstances which are . . . somewhat embattled. And let me tell you, we will never turn our back on you."